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ZipPicks Awards
Best Trendy American in Santa Monica
Best Late Night Burgers in Santa Monica
Best Brunch in Santa Monica
Best Fried Chicken in Santa Monica
Best Happy Hour Wings in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
The Misfit Restaurant + Bar
8.4
Housed in the historic 1929 Clock Tower building, The Misfit champions farm-to-table American comfort food with LA's best happy hour. The high-energy space steps from Third Street Promenade draws crowds for thoughtfully-crafted cocktails and seasonal California cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bacon Mac & Cheese, Pan-Seared Sea Bass, Walnut Bolognaise
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Best happy hour in LA according to multiple publications
Who should go: After-work crowds and cocktail enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekday happy hour noon to 7pm
What to order: Mac & cheese, signature cocktails, sea bass
Insider tip: Half-price signature cocktails during extended happy hour
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 5pm, public lots $8-15, valet available Friday-Saturday $12
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans and nice top perfectly fine, slightly dressier for dinner
Noise level: Moderate to loud during happy hour - better for groups than intimate dates
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: No wait before 12:30pm, 15-20 min during peak lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 6-8 solid options including excellent veggie mac & cheese
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 modified dishes, best to call ahead
Gluten-free options: Yes - marked on menu, kitchen accommodating with modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - the high-energy vibe and noise level make intimate conversation challenging. Great for fun, casual dates where you want cocktails and energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early happy hour (before 5pm) usually fine. Weekend dinner walk-ins expect 30+ min wait, but bar seats often available within 15 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes before 7pm - kids menu available, high chairs provided. After 7pm becomes more of an adult cocktail scene, especially on weekends.
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable happy hour deals compared to other Santa Monica spots - half-price cocktails until 7pm beats Elephante and The Bungalow pricing
Skip if: Want quiet romantic ambiance (try Pasjoli instead) or strict dietary restrictions (Erewhon Market cafe has more options)
Hours
Monday12pm - 11pm
Tuesday12pm - 11pm
Wednesday12pm - 11pm
Thursday12pm - 11pm
Friday12pm - 12am
Saturday11am - 12am
Sunday11am - 11pm